Your heritage association has organised a field trip for September's activity.
We are going to visit two very famous farms in the Overberg on Friday the 9th of September.
We will set off from our usual point of departure at the parking lot of the Drostdy Restuarant (Zandvliet) at 07h45 sharp and head towards Bredasdorp where we will visit the historical farm Zoetendals Vallei the farm of Michiel Van Breda, which is still farmed by the Van Breda family, currently Michael Van Breda.
To quote from Edmund Burrow's book, Overberg Outspan "This farm was the scene of one of the boldest agricultural experiments ever carried out in South Africa. Zoetendals Vallei was the testing ground for the Merino sheep. This farm is the birthplace of the South African wool industry" (page 91). Michael will kindly tell us more of the farm's history.
We envisage that you bring a thermos flask of your favourite beverage, something to eat (e.g. scones, cookies or sandwiches etc) for tea and that we stop along the way after our visit to Zoetendals Vallei for a tea break picnic.
From there we travel by a gravel road to the farm, Nachtwacht where we will be met by the owner Dawie Albertyn. Nachtwacht is a major Merino sheep farm. They are busy shearing the sheep at this time (hence the date chosen), thus we will be able to witness this process first hand while Dawie explains.
From there we will carry on to Arniston where we will have lunch (own account) at the hotel.
After lunch you will either be able to go straight back home or stop off at the Ship Museum in Bredasdorp where Sofia the museum manager will welcome you. Pensioners R25 pp and non pensioners R30 pp. (The museum closes at 16h00). Should you want to visit the museum please indicate this with your RSVP.
Important Points to remember.
What: Visit to Zoetendals Vallei & Nachtwacht farms. Picnic tea, lunch at Arniston Hotel & visit the Ship Museum
(optional).
When: Friday 9 September
Where: Departing from the Drostdy Restaurant parking at 07h45 (sharp). We can sort car sharing out there.
Please be prepared to contribute to petrol if sharing someone else's vehicle (suggest R100).
Cost: R30 for paid up members and R50 for visitors who are always welcome
Other: As there are farm dogs and sheep involved on this visit, sorry no pets.
RSVP: So that we can get a handle on numbers to advise our hosts, the hotel and museum, please RSVP to p.bromley05@gmail.com by Wednesday evening 7th September.
This promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and informative day. Please join us
Drostdy restaurant car park
R30